Wasuta performs first concerts in Spain at Japan Weekend Madrid

Japanese idol group Wasuta (The World Standard) performed their first-ever concerts in Spain at Japan Weekend Madrid with back to back shows September 29 and 30. The yearly Japanese animation and pop culture event had its biggest year ever with attendance of 97,000, and Wasuta drew a crowd of nearly 4,000 fans for their weekend showcase.

Wasuta’s popularity at the event was boosted by their recent collaboration with Spanish artists Adexe & Nau, who teamed with the idols for a Japanese-Spanish remix of their hit “Yo Quiero Vivir”. The brothers were scheduled to appear on stage with Wasuta at Japan Weekend Madrid, but last-minute changes to their schedule postponed the much-anticipated on-stage pairing. Adexe & Nau caught up with the Wasuta members after the Sunday show with a backstage video call to congratulate them on their Spanish concerts and for 2-million views of the “Yo Quiero Vivir” music video. Adexe & Nau promised to make it up to Wasuta by meeting them in Japan in the near future.

Video: Wasuta x Adexe & Nau: Yo Quiero Vivir

Wasuta also appeared at fan events for Q&A and autographs, held interviews for Spanish-language media, and served as presenters of the cosplay competition along with fellow Japanese guest Pikotaro. During the second concert, fans and members joined together to celebrate Ririka Kodama’s birthday, surprising her by singing “Happy Birthday” in Spanish.

“We made so many great memories at Japan Weekend Madrid,” said Wasuta leader Nanase. “Everyone in Spain was so high-energy and enthusiastic! Even though we spoke different languages, we felt so much love when we were there.”

Hazuki added, “Because of our invitation to Japan Weekend Madrid and our collaboration with Adexe & Nau, I feel like we’re one step closer to achieving our group concept of ‘The World Standard’. I’ve been studying Spanish for just couple of months now, and this trip gave me chance to learn more about the language and the country — I love Spain even more now!”

Wasuta (The World Standard)
The World Standard a.k.a ‘Wasuta’ was formed on March 29, 2015, with the mission of introducing KAWAII Japanese idol culture worldwide via social media and live showcases. The five members of Wasuta are Hazuki, Nanase, Miri, Ririka, and Ruka.

Wasuta has been active worldwide from Asia to Europe, including a performance on the main stage of Japan Expo Paris 2017. Wasuta’s most recent overseas performance was at Japan Weekend Madrid on September 29-30, 2018.